Few questions about the DAT

[hs2013]

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I'm a Freshman right now and will be applying the summer after Junior year BUT will be taking the DAT the summer after SOPHOMORE year. The only bio courses I have so far are intro level Bio and am taking plant biology this semester. I don't know if I will be able to fit many bio courses into my schedule before taking the DAT because there are only 2 more semesters after this one before I take the DAT. What Bio courses would be most helpful if I can only fit a max of 2-3 more bio courses in my schedule before taking the DAT?

Also since I will be taking the DAT after Sophomore year, let's say I choose not to send the scores to any school, take the DAT the first time and want to retake it and when I retake it I don't send the scores either but do better the 2nd time around. Is there any way that dental schools could see my scores from the first time if I don't send them to them when applying?

 

[sjv]

1. Anatomy & Physiology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry

2. All scores are reported.

 

[gnleff]

As soon as you finish taking your DAT, your scores will immediately be sent to ADA. So whether you take it more than once, all your DAT attempts will be with the ADA. So when you apply to schools ADA will include all your attempts.

Whether the school you are applying to cares about your past scores is purely up to them, but they will see all your scores regardless.

 

[Luna724]

When in doubt, make every attempt count.

 

[remowilson]

I wouldn't take DAT more than 3 times. I would rather spend more time to prepare and do good at first try (or second)

 

[Glimmer1991]

DO NOT TAKE YOUR FIRST DAT AS ANY SORT OF A "TEST RUN." THIS IS AN AWFUL IDEA. Do it ONCE and be done with it.

Phew. Glad I got that off my chest.

Anyhow, taking it after your sophomore year is a GREAT idea. I'm guessing you'll be taking orgo during your sophomore year, right? I always suggest people take the DAT the summer after they finish orgo. 🙂

I took the DAT after my sophomore year. I also didn't have many upper-level bios under my belt before I took the DAT, but there are ample resources out there that teach you what you need to know. If you are able to fit more classes into your schedule, I'd suggest human anatomy & physiology and cell biology.

Here is my breakdown, in case it helps... since I was also an "early" DAT taker! http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/my-breakdown-again.949908/

 

[hs2013]

Yea now I definitely realize that I can't take the first one as a test run lol. And yea I'll be taking orgo chem my sophomore year so that's why I want to take it after sophomore year plus then I don't have to worry about the DAT while applying which is nice.

With all that said, I am going to study my ass off for my first DAT attempt, but let's say I don't do as well as I hoped, how do dental schools perceive a second attempt? I do hope I can just take it once and get a good score but if not then how does a second attempt look, especially if I do better on it?

Also thanks to all of you for your responses, I think I am going to for sure fit cell/molecular bio in my schedule as well as anatomy and either physiology or genetics.

Speaking of Anatomy and Physiology, my school offers the 2 courses separately so should I take them together or one after the other?

 

[UDMhopeful]

Hi everyone! I'm a Canadian student and I'm thinking about taking the American DAT this summer. I've been looking for possible dates and testing centers but I am unable to find anything. Does anyone know where I can find these dates without having to create an account? Thanks!

 

[sjv]

Hi everyone! I'm a Canadian student and I'm thinking about taking the American DAT this summer. I've been looking for possible dates and testing centers but I am unable to find anything. Does anyone know where I can find these dates without having to create an account? Thanks!

It is offered nearly every day (more about if there is an open time slot available at Prometric than actual day you take it) but you have to pay for the exam first before you can see the calendar to select a date.

 

[UDMhopeful]

It is offered nearly every day (more about if there is an open time slot available at Prometric than actual day you take it) but you have to pay for the exam first before you can see the calendar to select a date.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[northwestzag]

I took the DAT after sophomore year and it's definitely doable, I would also highly recommend doing so if you will have just completed organic

 

[larrylu]

A&P, organic, gen chem, probably genetics and cell would benefit you.
but honestly, for biology section on the DAT. It's all about how you study before the DAT. I didnt take any a&p or cell before the DAT. I only took intro bio, genetics and virology. But it didn't hurt me because theres a lot of resources on SDN and internet. Prepare it good, and you'll be fine.